The power of patient ownership: The path from engagement to equity

Abstract

Understanding patient engagement from the lens of a person who is suffering, who is in pain and anguish, who is wracked with fear of the impact of this pain on their body, their family, their career, and their mortality, is a complex undertaking. The authors provide an important patient perspective in acknowledging and highlighting efforts to shift the conversation on experience from one about patients and families to one with patients and families. They challenge us to consider the power that can be found in creating ownership for patients and suggest it may be the one true path to moving beyond a mindset of engagement to real equity in healthcare.

Keywords

• patient engagement
• patient and family advisors
• patient and family advisory councils
• ownership